Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island

Established in 1993 by Dr. Jack McConnell with the goal of healing the medically underserved population of Hilton Head Island while giving the retired community of the island a way to not only stay busy but also help with a great cause. Our volunteer-based clinic model has been replicated at nearly 100 free health clinics across the country. When Volunteers in Medicine Clinic first opened its doors with a group of 5 paid staff members, 48 retired physicians, 74 retired nurses, and 3 dentists, it was primarily a walk-in clinic with only part-time hours. By the end of that first year, the part-time clinic had seen over 3,000 patients. Dr. Jack established VIM Clinic with this vision:
May we have eyes to see those who are rendered invisible and excluded,
Open arms and hearts to reach out and include them,
Healing hands to touch their lives with love,
And in the process heal ourselves.

The clinic serves the medically underserved and their households, who live or work on Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands with a household income that falls below 250% of the federal poverty level at no charge. Today, there are 22 full-time equivalent employees who operate the clinic with the help of over 650 retired and professional volunteers. As a team, the clinic staff and volunteers see over 10,000 patients with over 28,000 patient visits annually.

Volunteers truly run VIM Clinic. The clinic is always seeking physicians, dental, nursing, and mental health professionals, and administrative volunteers. Most of our patients are Hispanic/Latino, so we are always in need of interpreters. Many of our volunteers are retired, coming from many different careers and specialties. Learn more at vimclinic.org/volunteer.

Make a donation by check, credit card, and cash and join the Circle of Caring. VIM Clinic receives no government funding and 93.4% of incoming funds from our supporters go directly to patient care. Donate at vimclinic.org/donate.

Sponsor or join us at an event. VIM Clinic's major fundraisers include the Circle of Caring Gala in November, the Pro-Am Classic in March, and the Latin Food Festival in September. Multiple sponsorship levels for corporate and individuals are available for each event.

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